University Advancement Staff

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Imagine the difference you can make. University Advancement strengthens the University of Michigan-Flint’s ability to make meaningful connections with each and every member of the university community. Connecting students, alumni, parents and friends, corporations and foundations, faculty and staff is critical to our future. We integrate development, alumni relations, and government relations to build a culture of engagement and philanthropy within the UM-Flint community.

Our Office of Development team solicits donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations to promote learning, research, and education at the University of Michigan-Flint. Our Major Gift Officers represent our campus' schools, programs, and units, and provide fundraising leadership to complement, encourage, and support university-wide efforts to achieve comprehensive objectives for generating financial resources to support students, faculty, and staff.

The Office of Alumni Relations adds value to the alumni experience through fostering university spirit and managing communications. Our programs are designed to build leadership, create traditions, support students, and foster connections among our 30,000 alumni. Our office, in collaboration with the University of Michigan Alumni Association, is your tie to the Leaders and Best.

The Office of Government Relations serves as the primary liaison between the University of Michigan-Flint and all levels of government. Our office offers information on State and Federal higher education issues, information on how you can help UM-Flint promote its legislative goals, tracking key pieces of legislation that may affect our campus, and becoming involved in the "Wolverine Advocates" program. The office is also involved in a number of community based projects that has a direct impact on the university, the City of Flint and greater region that the university serves.

For more information on any of these areas, please contact one of our staff. To view the organizational chart for University Advancement at UM-Flint, click here.

Mary JoSekelsky, Ed.D.

Interim Vice Chancellor for University Advancement

Mary Jo Sekelsky was appointed to the position of Executive Director for Alumni Relations in Fall 2015, and is currently serving as the interim Vice Chancellor for University Advancement. Delivering the resources necessary to develop systems and policies that enhance the overall campus experience has been a primary objective throughout her thirty-plus years in higher education.

JayNussel

Director of Development

Jay Nussel joined the UM-Flint staff from Alderson Broaddus University in Philippi, West Virginia, where he served as Vice President for Institutional Advancement. Prior to his current appointment, Jay served at the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana as Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations; and Manchester College, North Manchester, Indiana, where he served as Executive Director of Development.

EmilyBank

Career Advisor

SaraBarton

Career Center Manager

Sara joined the University of Michigan-Flint team in 2013. A large part of her work focuses on connecting industry to students through internships, events, and employment. Sara is a 2006 UM-Flint Alumna, graduating with an MBA.

EllenBrothers

Major Gifts Officer

Ellen has served as a Major Gift Officer at UM-Flint since 2010 with concentrated efforts in the School of Education and Human Services, School of Nursing, and the School of Health Professions and Studies. She is a 1990 UM-Flint Alumna, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts.

MyeshaCannon

Career Advisor

TetyanaClarke

Donor Relations and Stewardship Assistant

Originally from Ukraine, Tetyana Clarke joined the University Development team in January 2018 and serves as the Donor Relations and Stewardship Assistant. She is a graduate of the nationally-recognized internship program within Penn State’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations. Tetyana holds a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Arts in Cello Performance.

AimeeGoodman

Major Gifts Officer

ErinHojnacki

Senior Annual Giving Officer

Erin joined the University Advancement team in November 2017 and serves as the Annual Giving Officer Senior. Erin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Physical Therapy and Master of Public Health degree from Oakland University.

MelissaStephens-Farrell

Major Gifts Officer

Melissa has served at UM-Flint since 2001, starting as Development and Marketing Director for University Outreach. Currently, she is a Major Gift Officer for the University with focus on the School of Management from which she holds a degree.